Mare Ristorante sold

Mare Ristorante in Saratoga Springs, the stylish seafood hotspot in restaurateur David Zecchini’s mini-empire of Spa City eateries, has been sold to Chris Chase, executive director of the Saratoga Rowing Association.

Chase, who has managed but never owned restaurants before, tells me he closed on the business last Friday (5/18). He declined to discuss his plans beyond saying that the name and oceanic theme will not be changed. The restaurant will be open this week Thursday through Saturday for dinner; Chase says he has yet to decide whether he will open Tuesday or Wednesday next week. Call 583-6955.

Zecchini, who also owns Chianti il Ristorante and Forno Toscano Bistro, located on opposite ends of Broadway in Saratoga, opened Mare (pronounced mar-ray) in March 2006 at 17 Maple Ave., site of the former Luna Lounge.

An e-mail news release distributed by Zecchin’s office says, “The sale will enable the restaurant company to focus on Chianti il Ristorante and Forno Bistro as well as future planned restaurant openings.” It goes on to quote him as saying, “There is nothing I love more than making people happy and serving delicious food. I love Mare, but this sale allows us to achieve our corporate goals and stay focused on Chianti il Ristorante and the growth of the Forno Bistro line.”